INDIA: Despite a standoff over border issues, the Indian Navy on humanitarian grounds deployed its assets and joined a mission to rescue a Chinese fishing vessel that capsized in the Southern Indian Ocean on Tuesday.
The Chinese vessel “Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028” sank with 39 crew onboard due to strong waves arising out of Cyclone Fabian. The crew included 17 Chinese, 17 Indonesians, and 5 Filipinos. The vessel reportedly overturned in the early hours of Tuesday.
The boat capsized 5000 kilometres to the west of Perth, the state capital of Western Australia, according to an Indian Navy statement issued on Thursday.
The Indian Navy deployed its airborne maritime reconnaissance assets in the Southern Indian Ocean Region, approximately 900 nautical miles from India.
The Indian Navy’s P8I aircraft carried out multiple and extensive searches despite adverse weather and located multiple objects possibly belonging to the sunken vessel, an official statement read.
The search and rescue (SAR) equipment was deployed at the scene by the Indian aircraft on request of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships closing the area.
The Indian Navy units also coordinated SAR efforts with other units in the area and guided the PLAN warships transiting to the scene of the incident, in a display of India’s obligations as a credible and responsible partner for ensuring safety at sea.
Australia
Australia has sent three aeroplanes and four ships to help in the search and rescue operations.
Aircraft have been scouring a 12,000-square-kilometre area where an upturned vessel was found.
The fishing vessel’s distress beacon was first detected as Cyclone Fabian drove waves as high as 7 metres with winds blowing at a speed of 120 kilometres per hour.
China
Beijing has deployed two commercial vessels: “Lu Peng Yuan Yu 018” and “Yuan Fu Hai”. Besides, four tugboats have been sent to Colombo, Sri Lanka, the closest major port where rescue vessels will dock for supplies and refuelling. Late Thursday night reports stated that two bodies of the crew were found, but their nationalities were to be ascertained.
Also Read: Tim David Propels Mumbai Indians to Record Run Chase Against Rajasthan Royals
